Controversial €20m swimming pool officially opened by minister

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THE recently completed Lucan Leisure Campus, of which Aura Leisure has been appointed as the new operator, was officially opened on October 20 by Minister of State Charlie McConalogue TD.

The long-awaited Campus received an allocation of €3.8m in Government funding from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, with the overall cost of the project expected to be approximately €20m.

The Campus consists of two newly constructed pools, including a multi-use pool with a movable floor, as well as a fitness gym, exercise studios, sports hall, sauna & steam room, changing areas, creche and reception.

The ‘dry side’ of the Lucan Leisure Centre opened on Monday, July 28 and figures obtained by the Irish Independent under a Freedom of Information request earlier this year show that costs as of September 2025 were €17.87m.

The cost of the project was originally estimated to be €13.5m.

The sod was turned on the project in May 2019, which was anticipated to take 20 months to complete, but several complications, including the pandemic, stretched this timeline further.

Speaking at the official opening, Minister McConalogue praised the

“hard work of the local community, South Dublin County Council, Department officials, and all stakeholders involved.

“It provides a much-needed sporting opportunity for this area, accessible to people of all ages and abilities, in all weather, all year round.”

He went on to say that the Lucan Swimming Pool will help to fulfil the vision set out in Ireland’s first National Swimming Strategy, to provide everyone in Ireland with an opportunity to swim.

Minister of State Emer Higgins TD also addressed the crowd at the opening and welcomed such an investment to the local area.

“Swimming is a great way for people of all ages and abilities to stay active, look after their wellbeing and enjoy time together. Having high-quality, accessible facilities like this on our doorstep makes a real difference.

“It’s also great to see such a strong focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. This is an investment not just in a new facility, but in the health, wellbeing and future of our local community.”

So far, the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme (LASPP) has provided funding for a total of 53 completed swimming pool projects, including Lucan Swimming Pool.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme